Content creators frequently encounter numerous challenges, with one of the most common being background noise.
To address this issue, I recommend using the Blue Yeti USB Mic. In my view, this is the best microphone for noisy environments, as it features a polar pattern that effectively minimizes background noise.
In this article, I will discuss some of the best microphones for use in noisy environments and address some common questions you may have if you decide to purchase one for yourself.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Mic for Noisy Environment
 | Top Choice Blue Yeti USB Mic
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 | TONOR TC30
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 | ZealSound
|
Choosing the right microphone for your needs can be quite complex.
Should you choose a dynamic or condenser microphone? Which one will provide the best audio quality in a noisy environment? What types of polar patterns should they feature? And what about frequency response? There are numerous questions to consider.
The truth is, both the condenser mic and dynamic mic can provide high-quality audio in specific situations, depending on their various functions.
Some are superior to others in their respective categories, so I will strive to cover the best of both worlds to assist you in making that important decision.
After testing various models, I have compiled a list of 7 different microphones.
Let’s examine their pros and cons, along with some reasons to consider them if you work in loud and noisy environments.
Table of Contents
1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone
Top Choice
Stefan’s Take:
I have been using this Blue Yeti microphone for quite some time: streaming, voice-overs, and vlogging, and it’s probably one of my best investments.
The sound is crystal clear, even in a louder environment, plus it is easy to set up with plug & play, and multi settings come quite in handy.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 10 |
| Polar Pattern | 10 |
| Price | 10 |
There is no better way to begin any microphone list than with Blue Microphones, and this particular model is the Blue Yeti USB recording microphone.
This blackout-colored, all-metal construction professional microphone delivers brilliant and transparent sound quality, thanks to its custom three-capsule array.
With the downloadable G-hub app, you can access Blue Voice software, allowing you to add various effects, modulation, and HD samples.
The best aspect of this model, which can be particularly beneficial when managing background noise, is its impressive four polar patterns that you can choose from.
It features cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns.
If you are in a particularly noisy environment, you can switch to a cardioid polar pattern, which will help minimize background noise.
You can achieve this through the onboard audio controls, which provide instant mute, microphone gain, and headphone volume adjustments, allowing you to have full control over your experience.
All of this makes the Blue Yeti the best noise-canceling plug-and-play USB recording microphone.
Pros
- Good construction and slick design
- USB port, easy to plug and play
- Extremely versatile for use
- Has practical onboard audio controls
Cons
- Mute button can sometimes be fiddly
2. TONOR TC30
Best Microphone for Podcasters
Stefan’s Take:
Even though this mic has two noise-reduction features, I still noticed a bit of ambient noise in my videos and streams. Luckily, repositioning the microphone and pop-up filter, and a bit of editing resolved that problem. Overall, the audio in my videos was clear.
The only feature I would like it to have is a mute button, but you cannot get it all for $25.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 10 |
| Polar Pattern | 9 |
| Price | 10 |
Next on the list is the TC30, Tonor’s excellent, affordable, and versatile USB condenser microphone.
TC30 is a uniquely shaped cardioid microphone featuring an appealing design.
This condenser mic is highly effective at reducing background noise for two primary reasons.
First and foremost, it features a cardioid polar pattern with excellent off-axis suppression, enabling it to capture clear and natural sound while effectively reducing excessive background noise.
The second noise reduction feature is derived from the enhanced concealed shock mount, which also minimizes background noises from the mouse, keyboard, or contact with the microphone.
I like that the mic is incredibly easy to set up and use.
Simply unfold the stable tripod stand, attach the pop filter, and plug in the USB cable, and you are ready for YouTube or Twitch streaming, conference calls, gaming, and anything else you can think of.
In summary, the TC30 is an excellent noise-canceling microphone offered at a very affordable price.
Pros
- Compact size
- Good sound quality
- Decent stand and pop filter
- The definition of plug and play
Cons
- Would benefit from a mute button
3. ZealSound Studio Recording Mic
Best Budget Microphone
Stefan’s Take:
When it comes to design, this is just a slight upgrade to the previous model. The buttons for audio adjustments are a big plus, but I had the same problem with ambient noise as with TC-30.
While the mic is designed to reduce unwanted noise, some of it will be picked up. And it’s probably due to the poor build of the pop-up filter – it was brittle, and I couldn’t position it to get the wanted audio quality.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 10 |
| Polar Pattern | 9 |
| Price | 9 |
Now I’ll discuss one of the best budget condenser microphones available on the market.
It is priced just above 30 dollars, but don’t be misled by its cost. ZealSound’s Studio recording condenser microphone offers a surprisingly good value.
It features a fresh and unique design, showcasing an aluminum body with an exciting gold and black pattern.
It’s a very user-friendly mic that doesn’t require advanced technical knowledge to operate.
It includes a Y Splitter for two distinct microphone and earphone ports.
One is a stereo 3.5mm jack for real-time monitoring without latency, while the other is a combined microphone and earphone port.
Its omnidirectional polar pattern captures sound from every direction and delivers satisfying sound quality.
The most beneficial feature of this condenser microphone is also the primary reason it earns a spot on this list.
A built-in sound card featuring VC Noise Reduction Technology enables you to record clear, natural sound while effectively managing noise.
Additionally, it is important to note that it features volume and echo slide buttons for further adjustments.
While it may not be at a professional level, it still provides excellent value at a minimal price. Consequently, it is ideal for voice-overs, video commentary, or music recording.
Pros
- Pleasing to the eye
- Compatible with many devices
- Good performance-to-price ratio
Cons
- The pop filter is a little brittle
4. Shure SM7B
Best Dynamic Microphone
Stefan’s Take:
The best feature of this microphone is the sound – I tested how it captures different sound levels and was amazed by its smooth frequency response. And when it comes to noise reduction, it works just as well!
However, you should keep in mind that it’s not for everyone. The setup was a hassle and all of those superb features come at a high price, so if you’re not a pro, I don’t recommend getting it.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 10 |
| Polar Pattern | 9 |
| Price | 8 |
SM7B is a high-quality XLR dynamic microphone produced by a company renowned for its outstanding audio solutions.
This $400 beast is the preferred hardware for many famous streamers, podcasters, and singers.
The Shure SM7B is a versatile solution suitable for a range of applications, from amateur vocal recording to professional studio work, including music recording.
Shure SM7B mic exudes class, featuring a high-quality build and an all-black color scheme. Additionally, it is packed with features, as one would expect at this level.
It utilizes an XLR connection and is not a plug-and-play solution, requiring an additional audio interface for streaming to operate.
A dynamic cartridge with a broad, flat frequency response allows the Shure SM7B to deliver pristine audio recordings of both voice and music.
Its cardioid polar pattern is designed for uniformity, ensuring that your voice-overs and audio quality are consistently top-notch.
The Shure SM7B features impressive noise cancellation capabilities, utilizing air suspension shock isolation and a high-quality pop filter to eliminate various sounds, from breathiness to mechanical background noise.
It also employs advanced electromagnetic shielding to manage unwanted noise from various studio equipment.
The Shure SM7B is one of the top premium dynamic microphones available, but its high price may deter all but the most dedicated professionals.
Pros
- Stylish look
- Excellent sound quality
- It doesn’t require phantom power to function
- The choice for many professionals
Cons
- It has a relatively low-noise floor
- The price is still a bit steep
5. SAMSON C01U Pro
Best Microphone for Streaming
Stefan’s Take:
I was a bit unsure how well this mic will perform since it doesn’t have a pop-up filter, but the design and polar pattern do a great job of reducing noise. It picked up even the smallest details, but still filtered the unwanted ones.
Even though it is plug & play, and the computer recognized the mic without any trouble, I still had problems with the setup because of the short cable.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 9 |
| Polar Pattern | 9 |
| Price | 8 |
Now we’re going to scale back a bit with something more budget-friendly. The C01U Pro is an excellent condenser microphone from Samson.
This excellent microphone offers a sleek and professional appearance with its silver color and all-metal construction.
No additional audio interface or driver installation is required. This USB microphone is a plug-and-play solution, making it completely user-friendly and easy to use.
The C01U Pro features a 19mm large-diaphragm mic element that will effectively handle any task you present, from a straightforward podcast to recording instruments.
It features a flat frequency response ranging from 20Hz to 18kHz, along with a 3.5mm audio jack for latency-free monitoring.
The C01U Pro effectively manages unwanted background noise due to its supercardioid polar pattern and durable die-cast metal construction.
The supercardioid polar pattern is excellent at capturing audio specifically from the front of the microphone while effectively rejecting unwanted noise from other directions.
Meanwhile, its robust metal construction, featuring a durable tripod stand and a shock mount, reduces background noise caused by vibrations and handling.
This condenser mic deserves your attention, providing exceptional performance at an affordable price.
Pros
- Easy to plug and play
- Clean and warm sound
- Headphone jack for zero-latency monitoring
- Excellent price
Cons
- The cable’s on the short side
6. Shure Super 55 Deluxe
Best Microphone for Professionals
Stefan’s Take:
The frequency response of the Shure Super 55 Deluxe is great, and the mic easily picks up different tones and delivers great-quality audio, while reducing unwanted noise. I didn’t really enjoy the design and was accidentally turning it off but maybe that’s just me.
Considering the price, I would say that this is another mic for professionals since it’s a big investment.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 9 |
| Polar Pattern | 9 |
| Price | 7 |
Super 55 is an outstanding dynamic microphone that blends a vintage old-school design with a modern sound and impressive features.
Super 55 is undoubtedly one of the most visually appealing dynamic microphones available.
As is typical with Shure, the build quality is exceptional. The chrome-plated, all-metal construction combined with rich blue foam underneath creates a timeless, iconic appearance that is difficult not to admire.
This dynamic microphone features a specially designed wide-frequency response, making it ideal for recording both vocals and audio.
Super 55 offers various methods for managing noise cancellation.
It features a supercardioid pickup pattern for highly focused sound input, along with a shock-mounted cartridge that reduces noise transmitted from the stand, allowing for quiet operation.
I do not appreciate how they positioned the off switch. The microphone can occasionally be turned off accidentally, which is something to consider in the long run.
Overall, this dynamic microphone can definitely hold its own against some much pricier competitors, and it is well worth the investment.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality and durability
- Natural and crisp sound quality
Cons
- Sensitive to plosives without a pop filter
7. CAD Audio E300S
Best Condenser Microphone
Stefan’s Take:
What I liked the most about this mic was the option to switch between polar patterns and get the best audio quality no matter the environment in which I’m recording. The design is also neat with many handy, on-board controls.
The biggest downside was the phantom power – 48V is required for the best mic performance.
| Noise-Canceling | 9 |
|---|---|
| Audio Quality | 9 |
| Polar Pattern | 8 |
| Price | 7 |
This robust condenser mic has a strong presence without being cumbersome.
E300S delivers optimal performance in both studio settings and live recording situations.
It includes useful onboard controls such as an on/off switch with an auto power shut-off feature, a hi-pass filter, and a 20dB pad, along with a wide frequency range.
It operates on an externally based condenser principle and offers three different polar patterns that you can select based on your needs to effectively manage a noisy environment.
The E300S also includes a quality shock mount designed to reduce unwanted background noise caused by handling and vibrations.
Keep in mind that it requires 48V phantom power and is somewhat expensive; however, it delivers outstanding performance and is among the best noise-canceling microphones available.
Pros
- Produces superb natural and worm sounds
- Imposing look
- Flexible in its use
Cons
- Requires phantom power for best results
What to Look For When Buying the Best Mic for a Noisy Environment
Type of technology
Choosing the best microphone that effectively reduces background noise is no small feat. There are numerous factors to consider, and it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the subject matter.
Firstly, you need to choose between a condenser microphone and a dynamic microphone.
Condenser mics are typically more sensitive to background noise and any sound, in general.
However, you cannot rely solely on that; there are a few additional factors that can assist you in determining the best microphone for your needs and in choosing between these two options.
For instance, how to choose a microphone with the appropriate polar pattern.
Choosing among the various directional microphones can be a game-changer and an effective way to further reduce background noise.
Using a mic with a cardioid or supercardioid polar pattern is a smart choice if you want to direct the mic’s attention specifically to what is in front of it.
Connectivity may also play a significant role. If you’re not tech-savvy and prefer something easier to use, a USB microphone might be a better fit for you.
You should also consider the type of audio chipset they come with, as it may include noise-reducing technology integrated directly within.
Some dynamic or condenser microphones may also feature custom-built noise-reducing shock mounts, making it an important factor to consider.
Levels of Unwanted Background Noise
The key aspect to consider is your working environment. Are you primarily recording from your room, more often outside, or perhaps in a professional studio?
Recording vocals can be nearly impossible with a budget-friendly microphone if you are working primarily in public spaces or poorly sound-isolated rooms.
You would likely need to acquire a microphone specifically designed for that type of work, which would probably require a significantly larger investment than you initially planned.
On the other hand, you might be working from a recording studio, or perhaps a basement or a bunker, where the most unwanted sound you have to contend with could be the electromagnetic hum from a PC monitor, or even the noise from a nearby laptop fan.
Sound Quality Needs and Budget Limitations
Budgeting is a consideration for most of us, especially for those who aren’t sitting on a large pile of cash.
These considerations typically involve finding a healthy balance between obtaining the best microphone for the lowest price or, at the very least, securing the best possible deal.
That’s why it is crucial to consider both points mentioned above.
Once you determine the purpose of your dynamic microphone, your options regarding types, specifications, and the locations where you will be using it will become clearer.
It is important to be aware of the microphone’s capabilities, where and how you will be using it, and what additional equipment is included.
Microphones such as the Shure SM7B may be more than what you need for your requirements.
The general rule is that you typically get what you pay for, but there are certain compromises you can make if you plan things carefully.
Conclusion
This is my list of the best microphones for noisy environments. Below is a brief overview of the top three products:
I hope I have made your search for the right mic a little easier. Enjoy creating new content!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a microphone that cancels background noise?
While there might not be completely noise-free microphones available, there are, of course, some that are better at it than the others. You will not find the same features in a random, cheap USB microphone as in some expensive branded professional XLR microphone that can cost up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The best mics for the job are the ones with some noise-canceling technology built-in directly inside of them, as well as those equipped with the right kinds of polar patterns and noise levels in mind.
How do I stop my mic from picking up background noise?
There are a few solutions that can help your case. The first thing you can do is place yourself closer to the microphone. That way mic will read you better, making your voice sound clear and more powerful, overcoming the noise around you. Also, unless you are using some cheap wireless headset, you’ll have access to software or a hardware equalizer that you can use to fiddle with the frequencies, thus helping you get clear audio in your recordings. And finally, you can use microphone windshields and shock mounts. The former will help reduce the noise from vibrations of the mic itself, while the latter will directly influence the level of background noise from ambient air, wind, or breathing.
How do you record a noisy environment?
The best thing to help yourself in those situations is to do whatever you can to reduce the background noise that’s bothering you. If you’re recording from your room, close the doors and windows, thus reducing noise levels from passing cars, pedestrians, and households. If you’re doing your work outside, reduce background noise by moving to a quieter place. And if you’re in a studio of some sort, shut down all the unnecessary equipment. Move away from air vents or air conditioning devices, and even be mindful of led lights or computer monitors electromagnetic hum because they too can cause significant interference.
